It's the highest honor the nation's legislative body has for a civilian.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican from Wisconsin, presented the medal to the decorated World War II veteran during a ceremony at the Capitol.

Dole also ran for president, winning the Republican Party's nomination in 1996. He lost to Democrat Bill Clinton.

The 94-year-old Dole thanked his colleagues and staff, and all the speakers for their "kind words." Then, in a flash of his trademark wit, Dole said of the tributes, "They're probably not true, but they're kind."

The Kansas Republican, a decorated World War II veteran and his party's 1996 presidential candidate, will receive Congress' highest honor during a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday. President Donald Trump plans to attend. Some of the award's 300 recipients include George Washington and Mother Teresa.

Dole is considered one of his party's best dealmakers, a distinction Trump has given himself, as well. But Trump and the Republican-led Congress are currently mired in a pitched budget battle that could end in a government shutdown at the end of the week if not resolved.

Dole supported Trump for president.

Trump's campaign says the president has known Dole for years and especially admires Dole's support for veterans.

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